Posted on February 11, 2019 by admin
As you may have heard, Senate President Martin Looney is proposing a sales tax increase for Connecticut. His bill, Senate Bill 475, would increase the Connecticut sales tax rate to 6.85 percent. According to his proposal, the additional revenue would be distributed back to the municipality where the transaction took place. Regardless of where revenue goes, this bill would raise taxes on Connecticut’s residents.
As a member of the Finance, Revenue, and Bonding Committee, which has oversight over our state’s tax policy, I would like to hear your opinion on this proposed tax increase.
The committee will hold a public hearing on this proposal on Wednesday, February 13th, at 11 a.m. in Room 2E of the Legislative Office Building in Hartford.
In addition, the following bills will also be part of the public hearing and may be of interest:
House Bill 5699, AN ACT CONCERNING THE DEDUCTION AND WITHHOLDING OF THE PERSONAL INCOME TAX FROM PENSION PAYMENTS.
This proposal would eliminate the requirement that income tax be deducted and withheld from pension payments unless the payee has submitted a CTW4P withholding certificate to the payer. I heard from many constituents that the 2017 law, which this bill seeks to reverse, created confusion and led to an automatic 6.99 percent withholding on pensions.
House Bill 6262, AN ACT EXCLUDING HEALTH AND ATHLETIC CLUB SERVICES FROM THE SALES TAX.
This proposal would eliminate the sales tax on dues and initiation fees at health clubs and gyms. I proposed this legislation because I feel that our tax code should not punish an individual for taking the initiative to try to get healthy and fit. Many states do not impose sales taxes on these services and I believe Connecticut should join them.
House Bill 6464, AN ACT IMPOSING A TAX ON LIQUID VAPING PRODUCTS.
This is a bipartisan proposal that seeks to tax liquid vaping products at the same percentage as tobacco products.
For a full public hearing agenda, please click here.
If you would like to testify in person on any of the bills within the Finance Committee’s agenda, please click here for instructions and let me know if you plan on coming up.
If you are unable to testify in person, expressing your opinion can be as simple as sending an email as public testimony on the proposal. Below are the instructions on how to send in brief testimony:
- Send a brief email to: FINtestimony@cga.ct.gov
- Put the bill number that corresponds with your testimony in the subject line
- Copy me at: devin.carney@housegop.ct.gov
- Include your name, town, and opinion on the bill proposal in the body of the email
Please note: All public testimony is entered into the public record, and may be accessible via search engines like other public documents.
As always, if you would like to speak with me about a concern regarding state government, please email me at Devin.Carney@housegop.ct.gov or call 800-842-1423.
Sincerely,
Follow my legislative activity and sign up to receive my newsletter at: www.RepCarney.com
Posted on February 7, 2019 by admin
I invite you to join Senator Formica and myself for our upcoming Office Hour in Old Lyme. This event is an opportunity to meet with us in a relaxed setting and discuss any legislative or local issues, including the 2019 legislative session, which convened on January 9.
This event is free and open to the public.
As always, if you would like to speak with me about a concern regarding state government, please email me at Devin.Carney@housegop.ct.gov or call 800-842-1423.
Sincerely,
Follow my legislative activity and sign up to receive my newsletter at: www.RepCarney.com
Posted on January 22, 2019 by admin
State Representatives Jesse MacLachlan and Devin Carney voted in favor of a public-private partnership with Connecticut banks today that will aid Connecticut federal employees who are currently not receiving pay because of the Federal Government shutdown.
Under the bill, affected employees are eligible for up to three loans from a bank, each equal to their monthly after-tax pay, up to $5,000, less unemployment benefits. The bill prohibits interest on the loans for 270 days after the shutdown ends.
“It’s unacceptable that the Federal Government isn’t paying workers that are working important jobs that protect our country and state,” said Rep. MacLachlan. “We should be looking at more ways we can implement public-private partnerships to make our state more affordable for hard-working families. I encourage residents who are concerned with the federal shutdown to contact our Congressman and U.S. Senators.”
“There are currently 1,500 eligible workers impacted by the Federal Government shut down in Connecticut, and roughly 200 of them are deemed essential and cannot collect unemployment, which is just not right. For example, Coast Guard employees are not getting paid, but they are still carrying out essential duties like tending to public safety and performing search and rescue operations – just to name a few. These individuals and all that they do are absolutely critical to shoreline communities like the ones I represent, and for this reason I voted in favor of this measure,” said Rep. Carney.
The bill also authorizes municipalities and municipal subdivisions to establish a tax-deferment program for such employees’ real and personal property or motor vehicles taxes, or water.
In addition, if federal law or guidance allows them to do so, authorizes such employees to receive unemployment compensation benefits (generally, federal employees that must work without pay during a shutdown are ineligible for unemployment benefits).
Posted on January 22, 2019 by admin
State Representatives Devin Carney and Jesse MacLachlan talked with constituents at the Westbrook Public Library on Thursday night about the start of the legislative session and legislation they see being debated in the House and Senate.
“It is always helpful to hear ideas and opinions from constituents regarding issues that may arise during the legislative session,” said Rep. Carney. “Once again, I look forward to accurately representing the folks in the 23rd District on a wide variety of proposals and working to improve Connecticut’s economy. I hope to hear from you, my door is always open for comments, questions, and concerns.”
“I want to thank the residents that came out to talk to us about their concerns and ideas on how to move our state in a better direction,” said Rep. MacLachlan. “I will be working on a number of key proposals this session that if passed will make government more efficient and affordable and I look forward to collaborating with lawmakers from both sides of the aisle.”
A new governor, Ned Lamont, has officially taken over and the lawmakers are now meeting in their assigned committees to go over legislative proposals explained Reps. MacLachlan and Carney.
Rep. MacLachlan will be sitting on the Transportation, Education, Environment committees. And, Rep. Carney will be sitting on the Transportation, Finance, Revenue, and Bonding committees and will help House Republican leadership screen proposals before they make their way to the House.
In addition, the lawmakers discussed tolls, $15 minimum wage increase, paid family leave, and the legalization of marijuana.
Reps. Carney and MacLachlan encouraged residents to contact them and to follow their frequent updates on their websites and social media accounts, which can be found at RepCarney.com and RepJesseMac.com.
Posted on January 15, 2019 by admin
I invite you to join me for Office Hours in the towns of Lyme, Old Lyme, Old Saybrook and Westbrook. These events are an opportunity to meet with me in a relaxed setting and discuss any legislative or local issues, including the 2019 legislative session, which convened on January 9.
I hope to see you at my Office Hours TONIGHT in Lyme and on THURSDAY in Westbrook. Please see the schedule below for additional details.
Office Hours within the 23rd District are as follows:
Lyme Office Hours
TODAY, January 15
Lyme Public Library
482 Hamburg Road
Community Room
6:30-7:30 p.m.
Old Lyme Office Hours with State Senator Paul Formica
Monday, February 11
Phoebe Griffin Noyes Library
2 Library Lane
Community Room
5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Old Saybrook Office Hours with State Senator Paul Formica
Tuesday, January 29
Acton Public Library
60 Old Boston Post Road
Friends’ Conference Room
6:30 -7:30 p.m.
Westbrook Office Hours with State Representative Jesse MacLachlan
THURSDAY, January 17
Westbrook Public Library
61 Goodspeed Drive
Community Room
6:30 -7:30 p.m.
These events are free and open to the public.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
The state’s non-partisan Office of Legislative Research (OLR) has issued its report on important issues that the General Assembly may face during the 2019 legislative session. I will be handing this report out at my office hours, so please feel free to take a look and contact me with any questions or concerns.
You can also view or download the report by clicking here.
As always, if you would like to speak with me about a concern regarding state government, please email me at Devin.Carney@housegop.ct.gov or call 800-842-1423.
Sincerely,
Follow my legislative activity and sign up to receive my newsletter at: www.RepCarney.com
Posted on January 8, 2019 by admin
I invite you to join me for Office Hours in the towns of Lyme, Old Lyme, Old Saybrook and Westbrook. These events are an opportunity to meet with me in a relaxed setting and discuss any legislative or local issues, including the 2019 legislative session, which convenes on January 9. The first two Office Hours will be next week in Lyme and Westbrook. Please see the schedule below for additional details.
Office Hours within the 23rd District are as follows:
Lyme Office Hours
Tuesday, January 15
Lyme Public Library
482 Hamburg Road
Community Room
6:30-7:30 p.m.
Old Lyme Office Hours with State Senator Paul Formica
Monday, February 11
Phoebe Griffin Noyes Library
2 Library Lane
Community Room
5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Old Saybrook Office Hours with State Senator Paul Formica
Tuesday, January 29
Acton Public Library
60 Old Boston Post Road
Friends’ Conference Room
6:30 -7:30 p.m.
Westbrook Office Hours with State Representative Jesse MacLachlan
Thursday, January 17
Westbrook Public Library
61 Goodspeed Drive
Community Room
6:30 -7:30 p.m.
These events are free and open to the public.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
New laws went into effect on January 1, 2019. These new laws may have an impact on you, your business, or our community. I have highlighted some noteworthy new laws below and encourage you to take a look at the full list. Please contact me with any questions or clarifications regarding the implementation of these new laws.
AN ACT CONCERNING DUAL ARRESTS AND THE TRAINING REQUIRED OF LAW ENFORCEMENT PERSONNEL WITH RESPECT TO DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
This new law, PA 18-5, will reduce the number of dual arrests that occur in domestic violence cases and enhance domestic violence training offered to state and local law enforcement agencies. For a summary, click here.
AN ACT CONCERNING MAMMOGRAMS, BREAST ULTRASOUNDS AND MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING OF BREASTS
This new law, PA 18-159, redefines mammogram, and eliminates copayments and deductibles for certain breast ultrasounds. For a summary, click here.
AN ACT AUTHORIZING PREGNANCY AS A QUALIFYING EVENT FOR SPECIAL ENROLLMENT PERIODS FOR CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS
This new law, PA 18-43, permits certain pregnant individuals to enroll in a health insurance policy or plan not later than thirty days after the individual’s pregnancy has been certified by a licensed health care provider. For a full summary, click here.
As always, if you would like to speak with me about a concern regarding state government, please email me at Devin.Carney@housegop.ct.gov or call 800-842-1423.
Sincerely,
Follow my legislative activity and sign up to receive my newsletter at: www.RepCarney.com
Posted on December 31, 2018 by admin
State Representative Devin Carney (R-23) has received his appointments as to which committees he will serve on during his third two-year term.
House Republican Leader Themis Klarides named Rep. Devin Carney to her 2019-2021 leadership team as Assistant House Republican Leader, which provides for a stronger voice at the legislative bargaining table and gives him leadership responsibilities on the House Floor during floor debate.
Rep. Carney will return to the legislature’s Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee where he will serve as the Ranking Member of the Transportation Bonding Subcommittee, which oversees state bonding for transportation projects. Rep. Carney will also return as a member on the Transportation Committee, where he previously served as Ranking Member. New this term, Rep. Carney will be a member of the Planning and Development Committee which oversees matters relating to local governments, housing, regional planning, conservation, and economic development. He was also named to the House Republican Screening Committee, a select committee that reviews all legislation.
“During his time here in the legislature Representative Carney has proven himself to be a trusted leader and legislator,” said Rep. Klarides on her appointment of Carney. “These committee assignments and his position as Assistant House Republican Leader prove that he is someone I have come to depend on.”
“I am honored to be appointed to these committees for the 2019-2021 legislative term,” said Carney. “There are many important issues that will arise within each of these committees. I look forward to dedicating myself to the work ahead and advocating for the people of the 23rd District.”
Rep. Carney represents the 23rd District which includes Lyme, Old Lyme, Old Saybrook and Westbrook.
Posted on December 31, 2018 by admin
Connecticut Water Company is proud to announce that it is helping to fund energy-conservation projects at the Connecticut Cancer Foundation (CCF) through the Connecticut Neighborhood Assistance Act tax credit program. The company’s donation of $2,500 will help fund energy efficiency upgrades to the Foundation’s Cultural and Operations Center in Old Saybrook.
Photo at the Connecticut Cancer Foundation, From left to right, Devin Carney, State Representative 23rd District Maureen Westbrook, VP Customer and Regulatory Affairs at Connecticut Water, Jane G. Ellis, President and Executive Director of CCF, and John C Ellis, Chairman and Founder of CCF.
Jane G. Ellis, President and Executive Director, shared, “Donations made through the Neighborhood Assistance Act help us to fulfill our mission. We are able to make energy efficiency improvements that will help lower our operating costs, which will make more dollars available to help cancer patients and their families. We are pleased that Connecticut Water is supporting our efforts through the Neighborhood Assistance Act.”
Maureen P. Westbrook, Vice President of Customer and Regulatory Affairs, noted, “Connecticut Water and its employees take pride in supporting organizations in our service communities and are pleased to be able to support the Connecticut Cancer Foundation’s efforts to use energy more efficiently so they can continue to assist cancer patients and their families who need financial and emotional assistance. Further, as many of us have been touched by cancer in some way, it is wonderful to see the role the Foundation is playing in the community.”
“I want to thank the Connecticut Water Company for their generous donation to the Connecticut Cancer Foundation and for its commitment and partnership to our community. The Foundation will certainly put those resources to good use for cancer patients and their families across the state,” said Representative Devin Carney of the 23rd District, who was on hand for the check presentation.
About the Connecticut Cancer Foundation
The Connecticut Cancer Foundation, formerly The Connecticut Sports Foundation Against Cancer, was founded in 1987 by Connecticut native John Ellis, former Major League Baseball player and cancer survivor, to provide economic assistance and compassionate financial aid to cancer patients and their families in his home state.
Through the CT Cancer Patient Assistance Program, CCF is able to help Connecticut families requesting assistance through referrals from oncology social workers from hospitals, cancer treatment centers and hospices throughout the state. For the past 31 years, CCF has granted over $5 million to more than 6,000 Connecticut families dealing with the financial hardship that often follows a cancer diagnosis. In addition, the Foundation has donated over $2 million to support ongoing cancer research at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
Learn more about the Connecticut Cancer Foundation at www.ctcancerfoundation.org
About Connecticut Water Company
Connecticut Water is a public water utility regulated by the Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority, and it has more than 94,000 customers across the state. The company and its employees care deeply about the communities we are privileged to serve and are dedicated to being an integral part of those communities. We look for opportunities to partner with local organizations, such as the Killingworth Library, on energy-efficiency projects that benefit the environment and the community as a whole. For more information about Connecticut Water, visit www.ctwater.com or call 800-286-5700.
Posted on December 31, 2018 by admin
The public is invited to meet with State Rep. Devin Carney (R-23) for Office Hours in the 23rd District throughout January and February. Rep. Carney will offer residents of Lyme, Old Lyme, Old Saybrook and Westbrook an opportunity to meet with him in a relaxed setting and discuss any legislative or local issues, including the 2019 legislative session which convenes on January 9.
Lyme Office Hours
Tuesday, January 15
Lyme Public Library
482 Hamburg Road
Community Room
6:30-7:30 p.m.
Old Lyme Office Hours with State Senator Paul Formica
Monday, February 11
Phoebe Griffin Noyes Library
2 Library Lane
Community Room
5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Old Saybrook Office Hours with State Senator Paul Formica
Tuesday, January 29
Acton Public Library
60 Old Boston Post Road
Friends’ Conference Room
6:30 -7:30 p.m.
Westbrook Office Hours with State Representative Jesse MacLachlan
Thursday, January 17
Westbrook Public Library
61 Goodspeed Drive
Community Room
6:30 -7:30 p.m.
All residents are encouraged to attend these events. Those who are unable to attend but would like to contact Rep. Carney may do so at (800) 842-1423 or by email at Devin.Carney@housegop.ct.gov.
Posted on August 16, 2018 by admin
With the start of school just around the corner, I wanted to remind you to take advantage of the upcoming “Tax Free Week” which runs from Sunday, August 19 through Saturday, August 25.
This one-week event eliminates Connecticut’s 6.35 percent sales tax on clothing and footwear costing less than $100 per item.
Additionally, new and used college textbooks are exempt from the state 6.35% sales tax for students who present a valid college ID at the time of purchase.
Since sales tax is calculated after the use of any coupons or discounts, if the final price per item is less than $100, the sale is exempt from taxes. Clothing or footwear under $100 put on layaway is also tax-free.
Tax Free Week was first enacted in 2000, and applies to most clothing and footwear purchases intended for everyday use.
Goods not covered under the program include, but are not limited to:
- Clothing or footwear specifically designed for athletic activities: football cleats, specialty boots for fishing, hiking, skiing and other activities, as well as wet suits, helmets and headbands, etc.
- Accessories: jewelry, handbags, luggage, umbrellas, wallets, watches, etc.
Please consult with your local retailer, or contact the Department of Revenue Services for a list of qualifying and non-qualifying items.
I encourage you to contact me regarding any state or local concerns at 800-842-1423 or Devin.Carney@housegop.ct.gov.
Sincerely,
